Your Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system is an essential part of your business. It allows you to stay connected with customers, partners, and employees, no matter where you are in the world. So if someone hacks into your VoIP system, they can potentially steal sensitive information, listen in on confidential conversations, or even make fraudulent calls that would damage your company’s reputation.
Here are some signs that your VoIP system is being hacked, as well as how to protect yourself from these attacks.
1. Your internet searches are being redirected
During a call, you and your employees may need to search the internet to find information related to the conversation. However, if your searches are being redirected to unrelated websites, this could mean that someone is intercepting your traffic and redirecting it to malicious sites. Hackers do this to steal your login credentials or infect your computer with malware.
Try using a different browser or device to check if the problem persists. If it does, then your VoIP system may have been compromised. In that case, contact your IT department or managed IT services provider (MSP) immediately. It’s also worth checking your browser or device settings to see if there are any unusual extensions or programs that have been installed. If you find anything suspicious, remove it immediately and change your VoIP password.
2. You have an irregular call history
An unauthorized user may be accessing your VoIP system if your call history is suddenly filled with calls to unfamiliar numbers or if you see calls being made at unusual hours. Hackers often make these calls to rack up huge phone bills that will be charged to your account.
If you notice any irregular activity in your call history, contact your VoIP provider or IT partner right away. They should be able to tell you if the calls were made from your system or not. You should also immediately change your VoIP password to prevent unauthorized users from making any more calls using your system.
If you use an on-premises VoIP system, you may also want to check your router’s call logs. This will show you all of the calls that have been made through your system, even if they haven’t been logged in your call history.
3. You get random antivirus messages
Getting random pop-ups or messages from your antivirus software could also be a sign that someone is trying to infect your system with malware. Hackers often send out mass emails with attachments or links that contain harmful software. When you click on these attachments or links, malware is installed on your computer without your knowledge.
It’s best to err on the side of caution and not click on any links or attachments in emails that you're not expecting. Scan any files that you do download with your antivirus software before opening them. And if you get a pop-up or message from your antivirus telling you to take urgent action, inform your IT staff or MSP immediately to determine if the message is legitimate.
For an on-premises VoIP system, make sure that your router’s firewall is always activated and that all of your software is up to date. This will help protect your system from any malicious software making rounds on the internet.
4. Your microphones and webcams turn on automatically
If you notice that your microphone or webcam turns on without you pressing any buttons, it’s possible that someone is remotely accessing these devices. This means that they can listen in on your conversations or even record videos of you without your knowledge.
To prevent this from happening, make sure that you disable your microphone and webcam when you’re not using them. You can usually do this by going into your VoIP settings and changing the permissions for these devices. If you’re not sure how to do this, contact your IT team or provider for help.
5. Your phone bill suddenly increases
One benefit of using VoIP is that it’s usually cheaper than traditional phone services. So if you notice a sudden increase in your phone bill, it could be because someone is making unauthorized calls on your system. Hackers often use VoIP systems to make long-distance or international calls, which can quickly add up.
It pays to keep an eye on your call history and monitor for any irregular activity. You can also set up call limits or blocking features in your VoIP settings to prevent excessive calling. If you have an on-premises VoIP system, you may also want to consider using a prepaid calling plan so that you can’t go over your allotted minutes.
By being aware of these telltale signs, you can help mitigate VoIP attacks. If you suspect that your system has been hacked, inform your IT department or get in touch with a reliable MSP like Kortek Solutions right away. We can help you determine what steps need to be taken to secure your system and prevent further damage.